Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus is placed in a vessel having a bed of filtration material, the bed comprising at least two different sizes of filter media wherein the filtration material is stratified using upper and lower spaced apart inverted cones so that the unfiltered liquid first contacts coarse grained filtration material and then finer grained filtration material. The apparatus includes an intake for introducing unfiltered liquid that includes a washbox, an airlifting tube extending from the washbox and including an intake end and means for introducing a primary gas to the airlifting tube, the airlifting tube passing through a central pipe, which extends from just below the washbox to a position just above the intake end. The apparatus is devoid of screen cartridges. Methods of filtering and cleaning the filtration material are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for reclaiming or reconditioning used tubulars are disclosed. One method includes performing non-visual, non-destructive inspection of used tubulars at a site of a reconditioning or reclaiming plant prior to the used tubulars being cleaned in preparation for reclaiming or reconditioning, followed by sorting the used tubulars based principally on the inspection. The non-visual, non-destructive inspection may be selected from magnetic flux leakage inspection, ultrasonic inspection, Eddy current inspection, acoustic emission inspection, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described that combine a measurement of the physical velocity of material within the annulus of a well between the drill pipe and the wall of the well with a measurement of the area of the flow as determined from a measurement of distance between the drill pipe and the wall of the hole to determine the actual material volumetric flow rate. Changes in volumetric flow rate at one or more points along the well can be used to determine the occurrence and location of well dysfunctions. This knowledge can then be used to make decisions about treating well dysfunctions which will lead to more efficient use of drilling rig time.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and kits are described, one method embodiment comprising loading a solids-laden screen into a carriage of a washing enclosure, the solids-laden screen comprising a screen mesh partially obstructed with solids from a well drilling or work-over operation, and spraying a cleaning composition onto first and second sides of the screen while vibrating the screen. Apparatus and kits for practicing the methods are also described. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Processes and systems are provided for monitoring and blending a first stream and a second stream to produce a third stream of desired compositional characteristics. The processes and systems are found to be particularly useful for the blending of two or more hydrocarbon streams to economically produce a targeted hydrocarbon product stream meeting prescribed compositional specifications. Specifically, the processes and systems are found to be especially useful to blend a propane containing stream, having a vapor pressure lower than the vapor pressure of a targeted vapor pressure for a propane product, with an ethane containing stream. The blending processes and systems allow for production of an “on-spec” propane product stream while at the same time maximizing the value of the ethane stream. The processes and systems may incorporate continuous real-time analysis and flow control of the various streams to effectuate precise control the blending processes.

Abstract: A method of predicting at least one physical change in crack geometry of a crack in a pipeline based on in-line inspection operating pressure is presented. In one method, a first test on a pipeline is performed at a first pressure, which obtains a first set of test data. A second test is performed on the pipeline at a second pressure, obtaining a second set of test data. The first and second sets of test data are compared for any difference. A run comparison software processing device may be employed. In other methods, finite element analysis of crack-like dimensions is performed to predict Crack Mouth Opening Displacement (CMOD) for a given set of crack dimensions for a surface-breaking crack and inline pipe inspection operating run pressure. Another method predicts probability of detection of a crack associated with a given CMOD as a function of pressure in successive inspections.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using same are described for negating asphaltene deposition in a formation, wellbore, near wellbore region, and production tubing. Compositions of the invention comprise an asphaltene solvent and a viscosity reducing agent, the asphaltene solvent and viscosity reducing agent present in a ratio so as to substantially reduce viscosity of an asphaltene-containing material while substantially negating deposition of asphaltenes either in a reservoir, in production tubing, or both when mixed or otherwise contacting the asphaltene-containing material.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for observing samples at non-ambient temperatures and pressures. One apparatus comprises a cell body having a fluid flow-through passage and a light passage intersecting the fluid flow-through passage at an adjustable light pathlength fluid analysis region; first and second light-transmissive windows in the light passage, each window having at least one crystal axis aligned longitudinally with a longitudinal axis of the window, the windows having opposed, spaced apart, substantially flat surfaces defining the adjustable light pathlength fluid analysis region, the first window having a first window holder and the second window having a second window holder, the first window rotationally isolated from the first window holder, the second window rotationally coupled to the second window holder, the first window holder able to gradually move the first window and thus adjust the light pathlength; and first and second light polarization filters.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for solids deposition study. One apparatus embodiment of the invention comprises an internal and an external cylinder positioned between first and second end portions, at least one of the cylinders being rotatable and thus forming a Couette-Taylor cell, the internal cylinder having an exterior surface, the external cylinder having an internal surface, an annular sample flow-through chamber or cell formed between the surfaces, optionally the chamber having an adaptable flow-through chamber geometry, the device having a sample inlet and outlet; and a non-intrusive probe for detecting solids deposition on at least one of the surfaces during sample flow through the apparatus. Apparatus described may be used to studying solids deposition from heavy hydrocarbon oils, hydrates, and other high viscosity compositions. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for isolating or manipulating a portion of a sample at non-ambient temperatures and pressures. One apparatus embodiment of the invention comprises a primary sample containment vessel defining a primary chamber, the vessel having a primary sample inlet and outlet; a secondary sample collection container defining a collection chamber fluidly connected to the primary containment vessel; and a sample probe comprising a distal end able to isolate a secondary sample in the primary chamber and transfer it to the collection chamber, the probe fluidly connected to the primary chamber via a seal allowing at least the distal end to be moved in 3-dimensions within the primary chamber. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Methods and systems and are described for isolating or manipulating a sample of a heavy oil composition from a hydrocarbon reservoir. One method embodiment of the invention comprises circulating a heated fluid in a first region of a reservoir where a heavy oil composition is present or believed present using a surface pump and a well completion comprising a downhole pump for a time and flow rate sufficient to produce flowable heavy oil composition, the well completion comprising a sampling tool; and sampling the flowable heavy oil composition using the sampling tool. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for calculating position of marine seismic acoustic receivers, and for estimating sound velocity profile of a fluid, are disclosed. One position calculation system includes a vessel, two or more vessel hull-mounted transmitters, a plurality of acoustic receivers on a cable being deployed from the vessel into the fluid, and a calculation unit. The calculation unit may be adapted to calculate position of the receivers, and may be used in calculating the sound velocity profile in the fluid and correcting raw seismic data. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Systems and methods for acquiring marine seismic data are described. One system comprises a marine seismic spread adapted to survey a sub-sea geologic deposit, the spread comprising one or more seismic instruments attached to or within an instrument support bounded by a controllable boundary; and one or more control vessels coupled to the controllable boundary. One method comprises deploying a marine seismic spread as described, and surveying a sub-sea geologic feature using the marine seismic spread while controlling the controllable boundary. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, allowing a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enhancing knowledge of the angle of attack of a streamer steering device are described, one apparatus comprising a seismic streamer having an orientation member including a body and at least one control surface; a sensor of the body adapted to measure a parameter indicative of angle of attack of the body; and a controller for adjusting the control surface based on at least the measured parameter. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently acquiring towed streamer marine seismic data are described. One method and system comprises positioning a plurality of source-only tow vessels and one or more source-streamer tow vessels to acquire a wide- and/or full-azimuth seismic survey without need for the spread to repeat a path once traversed. Another method and system allows surveying a sub-sea geologic feature using a marine seismic spread, the spread smartly negotiating at least one turn during the surveying, and shooting and recording during the turn. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, allowing a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating one or more orientation parameters of a seismic apparatus are described. One method comprises initiating an acoustic signal from an acoustic transmitter in a marine seismic spread comprising a streamer, the streamer having at least two nodes separated by a fixed distance; measuring a first and a second difference in acoustic arrival times at the nodes for the acoustic signal; and using change in the second difference from the first difference to estimate orientation of the streamer. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning seismic streamers are described, one apparatus comprising a body, the body adapted to be connected to a seismic streamer, the body defining at least one flow passage there through, and a diverter adapted to selectively adjust flow through the flow passage. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Oilfield apparatus and methods of use, the apparatus comprising an elastomeric composition comprising the reaction product of a linear or branched polymer having residual ethylenic unsaturation with an ethylenically unsaturated organic monomer having at least one reactive moiety selected from the group consisting of acid, acid anhydride, and acid salt.

Abstract: Centrifugal pumps and methods of making and using them are disclosed. One inventive pump includes a plurality of flow passages, at least one pump component having one or more non-axisymmetric flow passage contours defined at least in part by non-equal blade or vane heights.

Abstract: Pump apparatus and methods of making and using same are disclosed. One inventive apparatus includes at least two pump stages having different performance characteristics combined in series to substantially match an intended pumping application. An inventive method includes selecting two or more pump stages having different performance characteristics that when combined in series overcome limitations of at least one of the pump stages.